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MAURICIO POCHETTINO has put Newcastle on full alert by saying after six months out of football, his “tanks are full” and he is ready to manage again.And the former Spurs boss has given the Toon’s prospective new Saudi owners hope of landing him by revealing he and his coaching team would prefer to work in the Prem and are open to all offers.2 Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a move to Newcastle once their Saudi-backed takeover goes throughPoch, in his first newspaper interview since his gardening leave following his November sacking by Spurs ended this week, said: “Are we ready and hungry to get back to work? Yes. After six months, our tanks are completely full.“Always, you dream of the perfect club. The perfect project.“But we are a coaching staff that are open to listen to all the projects, all the people. We are learning and sharing ideas.“You never know when it’s going to be the motivation or the inspiration to say, Oh, they are the right people, and you want to be with them or their club.“We are very receptive to listen to all the people because every single conversation we can learn from and maybe we can see a motivation to go with them.”Pochettino has also been a target for Manchester United and Real Madrid in the past.The Premier League is the best league in the world. We enjoy it a lot.Mauricio PochettinoBut Newcastle’s new owners, led by mega-rich Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, will be in a position to swoop for the Argentinean as soon as their £300million takeover is officially rubber-stamped.The former Espanyol chief has worked in this country since joining Southampton in January 2013.Asked if he would prefer to stay in the Premier League, he said: “Of course we love England, and the Premier League. We feel very good here. We are still living here in London.“I am not going to change my feelings now because I am not involved in the Premier League at this moment.Latest Premier League newsExclusiveBOURNE AGAINHowe says Cherries are stronger after lockdown with FIVE fit-again starsLive BlogTOON LATESTNewcastle takeover LIVE: Follow all the latest updates in Saudi sagaLive Blogblues newsChelsea news LIVE – Latest updates from Stamford BridgeLive Blogunited newsMan Utd news LIVE – Latest updates from Old TraffordLive BlogGunners newsArsenal news LIVE – Latest updates from the EmiratesExclusiveRIYAD RAIDMan City’s Riyad Mahrez has three luxury watches stolen in £500,000 raidHEAT IS OFFHeaton will miss Aston Villa’s 10-game relegation dogfight with knee injuryPASSED THE TESTHuge boost to Project Restart with ZERO positive results in new Covid tests“I still think the Premier League is the best league in the world. We enjoy it a lot.“Of course, it’s one of the options. Of course, it can be my priority but I am not closed to move to a different country.“It’s going to be difficult to leave this country – but not impossible.”2Ex-Tottenham boss Pochettino scores incredible hole-in-one playing foot golf while in Qatar for Fifa Club World Cupread more

The 25-year-old Newcomb spoke less than an hour after nearly pitching a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The tweets were sent in 2011 and 2012.“I just wanted to apologize for any insensitive material,” Newcomb said. “It was a long time ago, six or seven years ago, saying some stupid stuff with friends.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone still willing to coach Gilas but admits decision won’t be ‘simple yes or no’“I know I’ve grown a lot since then. I didn’t mean anything by it. It was just something stupid I did a long time ago and I didn’t mean anything by it, for sure,” he said.Major League Baseball dealt with a similar situation this month involving Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader on the night he pitched in the All-Star Game. MOST READ Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb works in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb apologized Sunday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager, calling them “some stupid stuff.”“I definitely regret it, for sure,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT “We find the tweets hurtful and incredibly disappointing and even though he was 18 or 19 years old when posted, it doesn’t make them any less tolerable. We will work together with Sean towards mending the wounds created in our community,” the team said.Atlanta’s clubhouse had already closed to the media after he answered questions about his career-best moment, a 4-1 victory in which he came within one strike of pitching a no-hitter. Chris Taylor broke up the bid with two out single in the ninth inning.Newcomb said he had forgotten about the tweets until he picked up his phone postgame and saw mentions of the posts. The Braves reopened the locker room about 30 minutes later — Newcomb said it was his idea for a team official to bring reporters back downstairs so he could address the subject.“This is something obviously that can’t be happening,” he said. “I feel bad about it. I don’t mean to offend anybody. It was six, seven years ago. I didn’t mean anything by it and I definitely regret it, for sure.”Newcomb said he doesn’t think the tweets will cause fallout among current teammates.“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “I think people that know me know that’s not the kind of person I am. It’s been a long time since then and at the same time I didn’t mean anything by it.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award ‘High crimes and misdemeanors’: Trump impeachment trial begins Trump assembles a made-for-TV impeachment defense team Putin’s, Xi’s ruler-for-life moves pose challenges to West DepEd’s Taal challenge: 30K students displaced Report: Disney dropping the ‘Fox’ from movie studio names Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lacson: Calamity fund cut; where did P4 billion go? Palace OKs total deployment ban on Kuwait OFWs Old ballplayer tweets highlight team fears of social media LATEST STORIES “Such inappropriate comments have no place in our game. We are aware of this serious issue, Billy Bean will meet with Mr. Newcomb this week, and we will identify an appropriate course of diversity training for him in the Atlanta community,” MLB said in a statement.Bean is MLB’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion. He is a former big league outfielder and openly gay.Bean likely will be scheduling a meeting with Trea Turner as well after homophobic and racially insensitive tweets by the Washington Nationals shortstop from 2011 and 2012 surfaced Sunday night. The 25-year-old Turner apologized in a statement released by the team.Hader apologized after offensive tweets sent when he was a teen came to light on July 17. The next day, MLB said the 24-year-old Hader will be required to go through sensitivity training and participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Hader also met with Bean.“We are aware of the tweets that surfaced after today’s game and have spoken to Sean, who is incredibly remorseful,” the Braves said in a statement posted on Twitter. “Regardless of how long ago he posted them, he is aware of the insensitivity and is taking full responsibility.”ADVERTISEMENT In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’read more

Alfalit International president Dr. Joseph Milton says his delegation is in Liberia to evaluate and assess the Adult Literacy programA 13-person Alfalit International delegation comprising adult literacy personnel is in the country on an assessment mission to its Liberia program. The guests from the Miami, Florida headquarters in the United States are visiting Alfalit International Liberia to strengthen the educational, managerial and administrative capacities of the Liberian staffs.At a press conference on Tuesday, October 2 in Monrovia, Alfalit International president Dr. Joseph Milton, described the Alfalit-Liberia adult literacy and skills training as one initiative that has had some impacts on the lives of adult literacy learners.The current Alfalit International mission to Liberia, Dr. Milton said, will have some encounters with multinational corporations in-country to foster partnerships for the growth of the nation’s educational sector. He added that the group is expected to identify gaps and assess the impact and effectiveness of the new literacy materials being used at the various literacy programs in the country.Dr. Milton said the team will also evaluate and assess the Liberia Ghana Mission’s (LGM) scholarship program and conduct refresher training in the identified gaps.He, however, said that the previous Alfalit International Mission to Liberia has observed some managerial and administrative gaps that needed some professional capacity building for the development of its operations.Alfalit Liberia executive director, Rev. Emmanuel Giddings and Alfalit International president, Dr. Joseph MiltonDr. Milton said that the Alfalit Liberia Adult Literacy program has the largest operations in all 15 countries in its enrollment and impact. He said the Liberia programs have created some good results that should claim the attention of educational stakeholders and their support partners.He expressed the hope that while the team is in the country, it would engage in private and corporate companies and expand relationships with communities where its literacy program is being held as well as schools where LGM supports students every academic year.Dr. Milton expressed hope that the private sector and corporate entities could see the collective collaboration as some of the ways to give back to the communities where those investments are carrying out their operations in Liberia.He said such an initiative could be possible but he was quick to note that the team would like to first assess the current program as it reaches some appreciable levels.While Liberia has over the years become the prime target of the Alfalit International Literacy Program, Dr. Milton revealed that Liberia was the first country he visited in Africa and that Liberians have demonstrated the determination and made great strides in efforts to generate the highest enrollment of literacy learners.Dr. Milton disclosed that in 2019, Alfalit International will be looking at different opportunities after the evaluation and planning processes currently underway by a team of Alfalit Young Professional Board and three crew members who made up the delegation.He said in the 2019 proposed program, the organization will embark on a preschool program and job skills initiative that would strengthen the overall educational development.Dr. Milton explained that Liberia is the only country that he continues to visit every year and his professional interpersonal relationship with the executive director of Alfalit International Liberia, Reverend Emmanuel J. Giddings, has set the pace for the kind of support Liberia continues to receive.“Admittedly, however, Liberia has a special place in my heart and coming to Liberia every year is not my choice but, the love God has placed in my heart for Liberia and Liberians and I believe God wants to be here and the brilliant work being done in one of the poorest countries in the world,” Dr. Milton said.Dr. Milton said the Alfalit International Liberia Program has demonstrated a sound learning pace as students are able to learn faster and continue to meet up with the quality standards set by the entity’s overseas staff over the past twelve years.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)read more

Both the young and old accessing services at the De Kendren Health Centre on the West Coast of Demerara have been left to suffer, as the nurses and doctor there have refused to provide services because of the lack of proper sanitary facilities to effectively execute their functions.The elderly patients who seek care at the medical facility were seen wandering in the health centre’s compound, as doctors and nurses refused to perform their duties under the deplorable conditions that they are subjected.According to reports that the Guyana Times received, in order for care to be provided to the patients, nurses would be forced to fetch water from aback the facility’s yard, which has not been cleaned for months and is as such “high withOne of the pipes being used by the medical personnelgrass,”Nurse Nikita Johnson of the facility relayed that after being kind and going beyond and above the call of duty to carry out her daily duties, she has had enough.The angry nurse decried the hardships that have to be endured at her place of work, explaining, “Out of the kindness of my heart, I go at the back to climb up on a trestle to turn on a pipe to get some water. When that tank is empty, we have no water. The clinic attendant, she usually does it, because she has to wipe and clean, and it is very unfair to her to be putting on long boots to go where snakes and all different things can attack her. And I said to myself that I am not doing it anymore! When it comes to the washroom, you gotta take a bucket and throw in water over the urine and faeces and what not, and that is insanitary!” Nurse Johnson declared.In addition to the water woes, the pharmacist of the centre is decrying a medication shortage, which has been on-going for a lengthy period.Pharmacist Jennifer Thompson relayed that, on many occasions and as a result of the shortage, she is forced to use her own money to purchase drugs for patients at the centre.“We do not get the amount of drugs, and our clinic people are using the drugs. I am working at another place, and sometimes I have to bring drugs from that end to give my patients. Sometimes I have to take my own money, especially to buy the types of medication needed the most here,” she explained.“When you go to uplift drugs, they have your book long, and when you do get the drugs, it is just a few things” Thompson complained.Ramnauth (only name given), a diabetic and pensioner, revealed that since last year he was unable to receive treatment for his illness.According to the ailing man, October last was the last time he had received Insulin for his illness, and this he considered hard because, “I am a pensioner and I have to be using my lil pension money to buy insulin, because without that we can’t survive”.Regional Councillor for De Kendren, Culbert Leandor, revealed that the issue facing the medical facility are ongoing.“This is an ongoing problem, because they always call me and I always come over to check on this health centre. I keep calling for help to have this yard weeded. We have no running water. When I come over here I see nurses fetching water with mosquitoes and everything inside, just to get to carry out their duties, so I reported it. Patients coming here, no tablets, I keep calling and informing the RHO, so he knows”.While at the facility, the Councillor again attempted to make contact with the region’s Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Niaal Utman, which proved futile.This newspaper’s attempts to contract regional officials on the matter also proved futile. (Kizzy Coleman)read more

Twenty-seven-year old Corwin Cooper, of Lot 50 Powis Crescent, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was released on $500,000 bail when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Magistrate Dylon Bess read the charge which stated that on December 22, 2019, Cooper caused the death of 78-year-old Lindener Juliet Cornelius while driving under the influence. He was not required to plea to the charges. Reports are that the pensioner of Lot 55 West Watooka, Linden was killed on Sunday morning after she was reportedly struck down by a speeding car at about 07:15h on the Burnham Drive Public Road, Wismar.The Prosecution is contending that motorcar PVV 2251, which was driven by Cooper, was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at a fast rate of speed and whilst negotiating a left bend, the driver suddenly lost control of his vehicle and ended up on the southern parapet. There, he reportedly collided with Cornelius who was walking, heading west on the southern side of the roadway. As a result of the collision, the woman fell onto the roadway and received numerous injuries about her body. She was picked up by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where she was admitted. The woman subsequently died while receiving medical attention.Police said a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver and he was over the prescribed limit. He was released on $450,000 on the causing death charge and on $50,000 for the driving under the influence offence.The case was adjourned to January 20, 2020read more

Ten Donegal companies are hoping for ultimate success next week after they succeeded in being shortlisted for the final of the Enterprising Donegal Business Awards.Michael Tunney of Donegal Enterprise BoardThe awards, organised by Donegal County Enterprise Board, are the most prestigious business awards in the county.And no doubt there will be some anxious moments as the short-listed finalists await the results at the gala black-tie affair at the Villa Rose Hotel Ballybofey on Friday, March 22nd next. The ten short-listed companies this year are: Castlefin Partnership Initiative; Letterkenny Community Childcare Ltd; Efficient Heating & Plumbing, from Cockhill in Buncrana; Stateside American Restaurant, Letterkenny; Boyce Chartered Physiotherapist, Letterkenny; Lough Derg, Pettigo; Gibson & Associate Solicitors, Letterkenny; Roadteam Ltd, Pettigo; Lone Star State Ltd, Letterkenny and Inishowen Tourism Society Ltd.Donegal County Enterprise Board CEO, Michael Tunney, praised all of the finalists for demonstrating the type of commitment to succeed necessary to run a really successful business.“As usual the adjudicators had a difficult job in finalising a short-list for the awards finals, but the ten businesses represented there have shown the kind of passion and desire that was spoken of so often during the recent Enterprising Donegal Business Week events,” he said.As well as the category awards for Community Business Award, Emerging Business Award and Business Achievement Award, one business will walk away with the coveted overall Business of the Year award and will go on to represent Donegal at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin. Previous winners of the overall award include Inishowen Country Kitchen, The Swilly Group, Gartan Technologies and DS Environmental Services.Tickets for the black tie gala are €25 and are available by contacting the Donegal Enterprise Board Office on 074 9160735 or by e.mail: info@donegalenterprise.ieCounty and City Enterprise Boards are funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Union under the EU Structural Funds 2007 – 2013.The Ten FinalistsInishowen Tourism Society Ltd Inishowen Tourism has been in existence for over 20 years and is made up of a team of six full-time employees, with the capacity to manage strategic digital tourism development and marketing and fully exploit potential of tourism growth in the Inishowen region.With a 200% increase in trade membership in the past 3 years and affiliated partnerships with Failte Ireland, Donegal County Council, Derry City Council and Derry Visitors Convention Bureau, the organisation is a hub of activity for tourism product development, marketing, digital, trade liaison and support and visitor services.Its key aim is to improve the visitor experience and maximise the potential of tourism for the region.According to Marketing Manager, Kathleen Gill, with trade membership increasing year on year, Inishowen Tourism is representative of the key stakeholders within the local tourism industry and therefore can measure, monitor and review the impact of national tourism strategies and developments has at local level. And she says they are keen to build on the key projects and developments they have already undertaken and they are currently implementing a €150,000 national digital and marketing campaign called “My Inishowen” www.myinishowen.com which will showcase Inishowen’s unique visitor experiences.“We have designed and developed a new destination website visitinishowen.com and over the coming months we expect to add an online arts and craft shop, a mobile ready site with GPS, automatic linking of events and entertainment to other regional portals and quality photography and video content.”Indeed photography has already paid huge dividends for Inishowen Tourism with national and international coverage of the Northern Lights and Inishowen Killer Whales in the past year.In addition, Inishowen Tourism has made huge strides in developing their social media strategy and growing an online community with Facebook and Twitter while their new comprehensive Visitor Guide is regarded as one of the most popular publications within the Failte Ireland Tourist Office Network.Significant work has also been done on facilitating the development of a wide range of local tourism projects and events including Amazing Grace Park and Viewing Point, Arts & Crafts Trail, Inishowen Walking Guide and Feile An Grianan.Kathleen also explains the benefits of Inishowen Tourism having a dedicated City of Culture Officer who is interfacing between Inishowen and Derry during this unprecedented year.”We will be looking beyond the 2013 Derry City of Culture event to build on the momentum that a collaborative approach has had towards promoting the region. As a unique two-centre destination, we can offer visitors the contrasting experience of the vibrancy of a historic walled city and the escapism of a stunningly beautiful peninsula”.For more information click on www.visitinishowen.com or find them on facebook or twitter.Efficient Heating and PlumbingEfficient Heating & Plumbing were established in 2010 and offers a full range of heating and plumbing services including solid fuel boilers, wood boilers and geothermal heat pumps to domestic and business clients in Donegal and the surrounding counties.The business has also acquired the distribution and installation rights for the Energie Thermodynamic Solar Panel System, a latest generation system that is capable of collecting solar energy all year round regardless of the weather. This leads to greatly reduced energy bills.Christopher Lynch of Efficient Heating and Plumbing (EHP) explained that following in-depth research and analysis the company has teamed up with LVP Renewables (http://lvprenewables.ie) to offer, what he described as “the most efficient and cost saving thermodynamic solar panel system for the Irish climate.”He added: “As the exclusive distributors, EHP are responsible for installing the Energie Solar Panel systems in both new and existing homes throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.”Meanwhile EHP’s Jonathan Doherty says the Energie Thermodynamic Solar Panels can provide 100% of domestic hot water needs, 365 days a year.“The solar panel system does not require any back-up from gas or oil to provide domestic hot water needs and therefore offers tremendous savings,” he said.Christopher added that the Efficient Heating and Plumbing team has over 15 years experience in the renewable energy industry installing solid fuel boilers, wood boilers and geothermal heat pumps for both domestic and commercial buildings.“All our work is completed to the highest quality and only use the best products available,” he concluded.Lone Star State LtdLone Star State Ltd is a Publisher of Transmedia Content, based in Donegal, specialising in creating original Multi-Platform Graphic Novels.The company who have their headquarters at the CoLab at Letterkenny IT produce and publish original graphic novels in print and digital format.In addition they also produce animated series, and smart phone Apps for viewing across all digital platforms for delivery, across the entire digital media space.According to Peter Campbell the core ethos of Lone Star State is simply to tell great stories, using the entire gamut of digital platforms to do so.“We have centred our operations on producing original graphic novels, which will be printed and distributed using traditional methods, and using Digital Delivery methods (Digital Publishing),” Peter explained.With a number of projects ongoing, Peter says that the the company will launch its Graphic Novel series in print and as a series of Digital Publications and Native Branded Apps.“As part of our overall business strategy, Lone Star State Ltd will be using “Transmedia” technologies to deliver the content through Digital Devices and platforms.”He added that Lone Star State Ltd is also developing an Animated Series based on an adaptation of the original Graphic Novels stories it has produced, and according to Peter, they too will utilize Transmedia storytelling to tell one large epic storyline across a suite of Apps, or “Appisodes.”Already Lone Star State has completed its first wave of products, a range of original digital graphic novels that were put on initial market release in Dec 2012.“That range was comprised of two books/graphic novels (titled Lone Star Soul), that are the first in a planned series,” said Peter.They have, he said, been distributed digitally and are available as a Digital eBook on all devices such as the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook, Kobo Reader and all Android Devices.Lone Star Soul is a western with elements of sci-fi and is also available for sale and purchase on all major storefront vendors such as Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Apple iBookstore, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Graphicly.“It was a good start for us and there was a terrific interest. Indeed, upon release, ‘Lone Star Soul’ achieved a ranking in the Top 30 Sci-Fi Graphic Novels Category on Amazon,” said Peter.Explaining that these products comprise of the first wave of books that will be followed by further releases, Peter has urged anyone with an interest in graphic novels and comics to keep an eye out for even further developments in the near future.“Our website will be “opening for business” on the 18th of March at www.lonestarsoul.com and as well as having their Digital Distribution strategy, and route to market established, the company also will have exclusive Printed Editions of the Books / Graphic Novels (as well as a host of other products and merchandise) available on this website,” Peter concluded.Lough Derg St. Patrick’s Purgatory, or Lough Derg, as it is more commonly known is situated on a remote little island in County Donegal. It began possibly in the sixth century and certainly by the twelfth century it was well on its way to becoming one of the most renowned places of pilgrimage in Christian world. It has attracted pilgrims from all over Europe, survived puritan persecution and remains today as Ireland’s most ancient place of pilgrimage, still vibrant and continuing to attract pilgrims from all over the world.At a time when church attendance in Ireland is slumping, Lough Derg is growing.It currently attracts in excess of 20,000 visitors annually, employing 10 full time employees and up to 60 seasonally.In the last twelve years, the site has developed from being perceived as a devout catholic place of pilgrimage to expanding its programme so that in 2013 visitors are served by a diverse range of programmes which includes the traditional pilgrimage, to interchurch services, family days, mother and daughter retreats, art workshops, youth music events, school retreats, as well as international tour groups.It has attracted much media attention in recent years due its tenacity to survive in difficult times for the Church, with US History Channel, French and German television, BBC and Nationwide just some of the media coverage enjoyed in 2012.The Island facilities can also be used for private hire for conference/meetings.Group heritage and cultural tours of the lake and Island are also offered primarily to international visitors, although there is increasing interest in this option locally.The Prior, Monsignor Richard Mohan has been Prior since 1992, overseeing a host of changes to make the site more accessible and welcoming to as wide a population as possible.Recognising the need for assistance to expand its appeal and widen its audience, he employed a Manager in Spring of 2001 (the first ever in Lough Derg’s ancient history).This was a brave and bold step considering the person appointed – Deborah Maxwell – was a Presbyterian and female in what had typically been a patriarchal organisation.Deborah now oversees all operational aspects of the Island from operations to marketing to programme development and she says efforts at creating a diverse and far-reaching menu of programmes and events will be the indication that Lough Derg is proactive and dynamic, and is trying to address the needs of today’s pilgrims.“We need to be sure to carefully employ staff who can share the message of hope strongly with pilgrims, so those that come, go away renewed and refreshed and with a more optimistic message and positive feeling,” she concluded.Gibson & AssociatesGibson & Associates is a firm of Solicitors established in Letterkenny in July 2009, having developed from the firm of Gibson & Kelly.The firm has developed at an exceptional rate, with its most recent expansion including the acquisition of Colgan & Co Solicitors, an established Dublin based firm.With a highly skilled team of Solicitors specialising in a number of areas of law, the local firm has branches based in Donegal, Dublin and London, allowing them to provide services locally, nationally and internationally.Daireann Gibson, has, in a three year period, grown the business from employing two people to one now employing 14, noting that he had spotted a gap in the market for a high end legal service at a reasonable price when he established the firm of Gibson & Kelly Solicitors in 2007.That partnership evolved into Gibson & Associates Solicitors, growing hugely in the process over a three-year period, partly he suggests due to the highly-skilled team now at their disposal.“We have a highly skilled team of Solicitors offering advice in a number of areas of law, in particular, Insurance/Arbitration, Insolvency, Immigration and Commercial Litigation. A testament to the quality of legal advice and excellent standard of care provided in these areas is the number of clients that have engaged and are continuing to engage with the firm since 2009. The firm not only has an established client base within this Province but has developed a national and international client base of over 4000.”With investment in staff training and a high degree of focus on ensuring transparency in terms of fees, he adds that the firm places a huge emphasis on communication with their clients.“We believe that client communication is paramount and ensure to keep our clients up to date on all aspects of their case. We adopt a policy of copying our clients on correspondence relating to their case and returning calls within the day, so that that client is fully up to date with their case, as and when required. We are dedicated to understanding the business of our clients and the issues that they face, which consequently allows us to build a relationship with them and quickly work towards a successful and practical solution.”Having already successfully identified a number of different market niches the firm is confident that they can continue to identify emerging areas that do not at present exist, and develop these as a first to the market, for the benefit of both its new and existing clients.The Donegal firms maintain a strong local and community ethos as well and the firm has provided free legal advice to several local sports clubs and charities, but they are ambitious too and future plans see them aim to develop the brand of Gibson & Associates, so that it is instantly recognisable and a market leader both regionally and nationally.“Our ambition is to become one of the top 30 Law firms in Ireland within 3 years and top 25 within 5 years,” Daireann concluded.Boyce Chartered PhysiotherapistSince November 2012, Lorraine Boyce has provided Physiotherapy services at the central location of O’ Boyce’s Corner, Letterkenny.Lorraine graduated with a BSc (Physio) degree from University College Dublin in 2007, and despite graduating third in her class with a first class honors degree, she was faced with limited job prospects in Ireland as fewer basic grade physiotherapists were being recruited in the lead up to the recession. When an employment opportunity arose within a busy Physiotherapy practice in New Zealand, Lorraine seized the opportunity to work in her chosen field and gain experience.“With intensive mentoring, I gained valuable skills in treating a wide range of injuries and disorders, including spinal injuries, sports injuries, overuse and repetitive strain injuries, postural dysfunction and nerve injuries,” she explained.Her stay in New Zealand also saw her act as Physiotherapist for Paraparaumu Rugby Football Club, and she furthered her interest in Pilates by training as a Pilates Instructor.Since returning home from New Zealand, she accepted the role as Honorary Secretary of the North West Branch of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists for two years and has undertaken a Graduate Diploma course in Acupuncture with University College Dublin, balancing a busy clinical schedule with weekend lectures.With post-graduate training in Spinal Manual Concepts, Biomechanics and general Musculoskeletal Therapy, Lorraine believes in provision of quality care that is evidence-based. ‘I believe that it’s very important to not just treat the symptoms of an injury, but to consider what contributed to its development in the first place and what can be done to prevent its recurrence in the future’, she said.Lorraine offers Pilates classes ranging from beginner to advanced level at Letterkenny Community Centre and Optimal Fitness. As a Chartered Physiotherapist, Lorraine’s attention to detail when it comes to instructing participants in technique and control, is one reason why her provision of this service has expanded substantially, with the introduction recently of men’s Pilates classes and Pilates for teenagers.Lorraine is readily able to address any core conditioning issues someone may be experiencing. “Weakness of the Core Muscles can arise in various situations, whether it be in relation to sport, pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy or chronic low back pain to name but a few,” she said. “For the injured sports person, Pilates core stability exercises can be a key factor in their rehabilitation that allows them to return to sport with confidence” she added.Many new opportunities are on the horizon for Lorraine Boyce Chartered Physiotherapist, as she looks forward to providing post-surgical rehabilitation to clients within the orthopaedic department of a private hospital in the coming months.Despite challenging economic times, Lorraine has shown that there is great potential for young entrepreneurs and small local businesses. “Establishing a new business is a daunting prospect, but I appreciate the network of support that is available through the Donegal County Enterprise Board, the Chamber of Commerce and the Women in Business Network, and the positivity there has been in general from fellow health care professionals and local businesses,” she concluded.Stateside RestaurantWith a strap-line of “A real Taste of America,” Stateside American Restaurant aims to offer customers, not just American-style food, but also excellent service, fun themed décor and buzzing atmosphere.Owned by Patricia Hill and her husband Tommy, the popular Letterkenny restaurant employs 28 people, including six full-time staff and projects that to increase even further this year.Patricia moved into the restaurant business after a career in banking, but says she always wanted to run her own business and after several visits to America believed an American-style restaurant would work in Letterkenny.“I have travelled to America on a number of occasions and each time I ate in the States, I always asked myself “why don’t we have this in Letterkenny?” Patricia said.She realised that goal in 2011 when Stateside was opened, and since then they have grown in popularity to such an extent they even received a Tripadvisor Excellence Award in 2012.Part of the popularity of Stateside, Patricia puts down to the terrific range on offer on their menu.“We provide a safe, family friendly, good value experience for the people of Letterkenny and indeed the rest of Donegal and surrounding area. The food that we supply includes wings, ribs, steaks, burgers, chicken, salads and a Mexican style food from our “South of the Border” section. We cook fresh to order and have a fantastic kids menu.”But it’s more than just the menu that brings people back, she believes and another key factor in helping the business develop over the past few years has been the fantastic team built up at Stateside.“We have a great team within the Restaurant with Ricky McElwaine, a native of Convoy, being our Head Chef. Ricky worked along with me prior to opening and he is a priceless asset to the company. Ricky and myself worked together to build a fantastic team who all see the same vision as we do. We share an ethos for excellence and everyone works extremely well together to make things happen. We provide what the people of Donegal need in a family dining experience.”Looking to the future the Stateside owner says she is already planning new ways to diversify and possibly even expand and a new healthy options range is already in the pipeline.“We are keen to move into educating our customers as to what the Healthy Options are. This is a very exciting move as many people feel that American Food is unhealthy but all food at Stateside is fresh and cooked to order. It is produced from raw products and not re-constituted products and we will be working on re-educating our customer base and others in the locality,” she concluded.RoadteamRoadteam Ltd is a Pettigo-based road recycling company that restores road surfaces to original conditions reusing the existing road materials.Established in 2008 as a road maintenance alternative for the public and private sectors, their goal is to provide a cost effective solution for road repairs.Adrian Britton of Roadteam suggests that from an economic stance their service should see a cost reduction of up to 60% over traditional methods.He explained that, employing state of the art equipment, the road surface is broken up, crushed, graded and made ready for resurfacing.“Recycling road materials has moved steadily up the construction agenda and with increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of road construction, Roadteam Ltd have sourced the most efficient machinery for road regeneration,” he added.And, he maintained, the advantages to the road maintenance bodies of using recycled materials are substantial and can directly reduce costs.Among the added benefits right across a project would include reduced costs and CO2 emissions, reduced need for imported materials, reduced project time and energy use and the reduced amount of heavy hevicle movements over existing roads“The process of reusing existing road materials definitely helps Roadteam offer a hugely superior service to traditional road repair methods in terms of cost, project duration and environmental friendliness,” says Adrian.The business, which employs 8 people, was awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 in December 2012.Castlefin Partnership InitiativeCastlefin Partnership Initiative (CPI) was established in 1999. Since its inception the Partnership has successfully completed all phases of an extensive development project.The first seeds were sown at a meeting in October 1999 when a meeting of representatives of the various community groups active in the Castlefinn area was held.The outcome of this meeting was the establishment of an umbrella organisation representing various interest groups in the community, to be known as Castlefinn Partnership Initiative Limited (C.P.I. Ltd.)The group undertook a community needs survey to identify the needs and desires of the community. The results of the survey were analysed. From the findings C.P.I. Ltd. was established and the aims and objectives of the company were clarified.The group set about to promote and encourage the social, cultural, educational, training and sporting needs of the community and the economic development, through job creation, in Castlefinn and its environs.In addition it aimed to provide or arrange for the provision of a range of services including commercial floor space, health services and childcare facilities, which would benefit the economic and general welfare of the community.They also aimed to provide for the members of their community, a neutral venue not under the control or influence of any organisation, political or other.Today the group boasts a range of first class services and facilities including health services, childcare and training facilities, a multipurpose hall, outdoor children’s play area and the development of outdoor recreational areas. The Partnership also hosts the nationally acclaimed Northwest Garden Show and is currently developing the Whitehouse Garden, which will be officially opened on 28th June.Letterkenny Community Childcare LimitedNow open for 51 weeks of the year, Letterkenny Community Childcare Centre Limited was originally a sessional preschool founded in 1983 by a group of volunteers anxious to meet Community needs.Catering for children aged 6 weeks to 10 years, the centre has grown enormously from its early days and is now recognized as an all-Ireland centre of excellence.In November 2003 the company opened its purpose built full day-care Childcare Centre at a Donegal County Enterprise site, catering for 28 children on a full, part-time and sessional basis and employing eight people.Since then it has expanded enormously and currently 90 families and 112 children avail of the centre’s services, while there are now 18 people employed there.In addition it provides training and development for 2 Community Employment Scheme workers and 1 TUS worker.The increased staffing levels followed expansion of services that saw a second service opened in 2012 to provide sessional pre-school under the Department of Children Early Childhood Care and Education scheme, creating three full time positions in the process.Coordinator Geraldine Burke who worked as a volunteer in the organisation for around 10 years prior to becoming the first official employee, explained some of the reasons behind the centre’s success.“The Centre is open to all sections of the Community on a first come first served basis and works closely with the HSE and local charities by supporting families caring for children with special needs and families experiencing difficulties,” she explained.Adding that the organisation has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Ireland since 2008, Geraldine said she had taken the post with Letterkenny Community Childcare Ltd because she felt she could make a difference to the early sector, based on her knowledge and experience with young children.A real driving force in terms of development, Geraldine was instrumental in forming a limited company and gaining charitable status when she recognised that the organisation needed to expand to meet fully the community needs.“In 2001 the Government announced the ‘Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme’ (EOCP) funded by Europe under the National Development Plan. The aim of this initiative was to get women back into the workforce. I then project managed a grant application for EOCP to build, equip, and staff a full day-care Community Childcare Centre, working with Donegal County Enterprise Fund (DCEF) on the design of the building which was erected on their land.”The full day service opened in 2003 and the organisation is now a Company Limited by Guarantee, governed by a Voluntary Board of Directors of which Geraldine is the Company Secretary as well as Coordinator of the Childcare Centre with day to day responsibility for management of the service.Operating under the principles of Siolta the National Standards for Pre-school services and Aistear the pre-school curriculum, the Centre now has five distinct areas, babies, toddlers, pre-school full day, pre-school sessional and afterschool. Facilities also include two safety surfaced outdoor areas, a garden and an indoor physical area.TEN COMPANIES FIGHT IT OUT FOR TOP PRIZE AT ENTERPRISING DONEGAL BUSINESS AWARDS was last modified: March 12th, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:Business WeekDonegal Enterprise BoardMichael Tunneyread more

Continuing our popular medical series, Dr Ciaran Roarty of Scally McDaid Medical Practice this week addresses the issue of a frozen shoulder. FROZEN SHOULDERWhat is it?Frozen shoulder is a condition where a shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff with limited range of movement. The symptoms can interfere with routine daily tasks such as driving, getting dressed and sleeping. It may even affect our work. There are usually three phases with the condition and patients move gradually from one phase to another. 1. The ‘freezing’, painful phase: This lasts about 3-9 months and the pain is usually worse at night and when you lie on the affected side.2. The ‘frozen’, stiff (or adhesive) phase: This lasts about 4-12 months. The pain gradually eases but stiffness and limitation in movement remain and can become worse.3. The ‘thawing’, recovery phase: This can last for 1-2 years. The pain and stiffness gradually go and movement slowly returns to normal, or near normal.It is quite common, affecting about 3% of people at some stage in their lives. The usual age group affected is between 40-65 and women are more commonly affected than men. It usually affects the non-dominant shoulder ( ie left shoulder if you are right handed etc).What causes it?The cause is not clear and most cases occur for no apparent reason. It is thought to be related to scar tissue forming in the capsule of the joint. Interestingly it is not a form of joint inflamation (arthritis) and other joints are not affected. Are there any tests needed ?The diagnosis of frozen shoulder is usually made after a doctor’s examination.You may require an xray or MRI if the diagnosis is not clear cut.TreatmentIt is really important to keep moving your shoulder as the ultimate aim of treatment is to ease pain and stiffness while keeping the range of movement of the shoulder as good as we can while it settles.One or more of the following can also help ease symptoms.1. Pain relief –Paracetamol +/- Codeine2. Anti-inflammatory medication – This eases pain while also reducing inflamation.3. Shoulder exercises – to keep the shoulder from ‘stiffening up’ and to keep movement as full as possible. Your doctor may show you some of these.4. Referral for physiotherapy may be required. Physios can give expert advice on the best exercises to do. They may also use other pain relieving methods such as warm or cold temperature packs and nerve stimulation machines.5. Steroid injection. This helps relieve inflamation and while not a cure, it may give some relief for a period.6. Surgery in hospital. This may sometimes be considered if other methods are not helping as it does not help all cases.Will it get better Doctor?The symptoms of frozen shoulder can continue for quite a period of time – from 18 months up to 3 years or more. However, most people recover to normal levels of function and mobility by two years, even without any treatment!The above information is intended as advice only and should you have any concerns contact your own Doctor.Dr Ciaran Roarty MB BCh BAO MICGP DRCOG is a full-time GP at Scally McDaid Medical Practice , Scally Place, Letterkenny, Tel 0749164111.Doctors Dara Scally, Jimmy McDaid, and Ciaran Roarty at their practice.Medical Matters: Dealing with a frozen shoulder was last modified: July 19th, 2017 by Scally McDaid RoartyShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:Medical Mattersread more

Pascal Millien’s Twitter bio describes himself as a ‘pro soccer player and son of God’ and the midfielder has had to call on his strong faith quite a bit since March.The much-traveled Millien previously spent two years in the League of Ireland with Sligo Rovers in 2012 and 2013 and the call came early this year from his agent, who flagged up interest from Ireland again.He briefly trained with Cork City, but no move was forthcoming when Ollie Horgan intervened and Millien pitched up in Donegal. Millien endured a three-month wait before he was eligible to play a game, but his game time has been confined to five substitute appearances.“I am here to play football,” the 31-year-old Millien says.“I am hard working and I believe in hard work. It can happen and I will be ready for the right moment when it comes. I am here to play and I will stay positive. When that time is right, I will be ready to make the best of it.“I give everything in training and I keep my head up. I don’t want to be negative about things.” Finn Harps secretary John Campbell described as ‘just incredible’ the amount of material he had to collate for the Department of Labour to process Millien’s work permit.“The amount of work involved in this signing dwarfed any other than I ever worked on in my time as Harps secretary,” Mr Campbell said, noting that he had exchanged 126 emails with various agencies.For Millien, who lives with Eddie Dsane and Ibrahim Keita in Letterkenny, had a frustrating start to life at Harps.He says: “I have strong faith. I would not be here otherwise. Everything in my life is up to Him.“It was frustrating having to wait for so long to be allowed to play. I didn’t think that it would take so long. I was involved playing in a professional League and played with the national team, I thought that it would be faster. I had to wait for a while in Sligo too, but I didn’t think it would happen again. “I was delighted to have it fixed. It wasn’t in my hands and Finn Harps did everything they could to make it happen.”Pascal Millien. Picture by Joe Boland, North West News PixMillien has been capped 30 times by Haiti, making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Guyana in the 2010 Caribbean Cup. His last outing was a 1-0 loss to Panama last March.He is one of two current senior internationals – along with Northern Irish capped Paddy McCourt – in the current Harps squad.“I have unfinished business, I think, in the League of Ireland,” says Millien, who had a memorable spell in Sligo, winning the League in 2012 and the FAI Cup in 2013. “When I left Sligo, it was a decision that I had to make. The gaffer there wasn’t on the same page as me.“You never know where you end up in football. So, I always stay positive. If the time is right for a move, then why not?”Millien was part of the Sligo squad that went on to defeat Drogheda United 3-2 in the 2013 Cup final. With squad rotation possible, Millien could well be handed a first Harps start against Bohemians.He says: “A lot of people have been asking the questions and asking if I am injured and why I haven’t had the chance yet. I am pretty sure that the opportunity will come for me. I am looking forward to it. I know that I will be ready when that moment comes to me.“You need a squad to compete in this League. If I am not playing, I am working hard in the training and giving a go. I am pushing whoever is there, in my position. A team needs options. There is nothing else I can do, but to work hard and time will give my moment.”The glory days in Sligo meant a lot to Millien and he still treasurers the memories of his time at The Showgrounds.Of the 2013 Cup win, Millien says: “It was a special moment, a great moment. To watch everyone winning the Cup like that in a final at the Aviva Stadium, with all those thousands of people there, was really special.“The Cup has to be a goal for every player and every club. I have been there and I do not take it lightly at all. I know that the people at Finn Harps would love a run in the Cup.”After leaving Sligo, Millien moved to Sheikh Russel KC in Bangladesh before switching to Jacksonville Armada FC in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he spent time with FC Tampa Bay earlier in his career.Last season, he was with Fort Lauderdale Strikers, for whom he played seven games.Pascal Millien. Picture by Joe Boland, North West News PixStill hoping for a recall to the Haiti squad, Millien knows he needs to be playing regularly and aims to work his way into Horgan’s plans. Millien was taken by the Harps manager after he made initial contact and after seeking advice of Joseph Ndo, his former Sligo team-mate, the midfielder put pen to paper.Millien says: “Ollie was the reason I came here. I can see the ambition that he has for the club. Ollie is a very hard-working man. He is always looking for solutions to make it better. He really cares about where we are going.”Faith and football: Pascal Millien still waiting for ‘the moment’ at Finn Harps was last modified: August 9th, 2017 by Chris McNultyShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:2017 FAI CupBohemiansfinn harpsFinn ParkHaitiJohn CampbellOllie Horganpascal millienSligo Roversread more

DNA collected from three members of the ‘Hole in the Roof’ gang has connected them to a spate of Donegal burglaries.The members were apprehended after pulling off a €250,000 jewellery heist in Athlone during the height of Storm Emma.It is believed that the Romanian gang are behind up to 100 burglaries across the country, fleeing with over €2 million of stolen cash, cigarettes and goods. The men (two aged 27, one aged 31), are being held at three separate Garda stations in the midlands.The military-trained gang are wanted for similar crimes in mainland Europe, including Italy and Norway.In Donegal, the criminals have targetted Kernan’s Centra in Newmills, Bradley’s newsagent/post office in Killygordon, the Supervalu store in Dungloe, and McCullagh’s Jewellers in Letterkenny.‘Hole in the roof’ gang caught and connected to spate of Donegal burglaries was last modified: March 16th, 2018 by Elaine McCalligShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:burglariescrimeganghole in the roofread more